Jeff Bates Releases New Gospel Single, “Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)”
Nashville, Tenn. (April 3, 2026) — Country hitmaker Jeff Bates releases his new gospel single, “Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord),” today, Good Friday, via Tall Grass Records.
Bates’ version of the traditional hymn is based on a personal childhood memory.
“This song has lived in my heart for as long as I can remember,” shares Bates. “My Mama would sing this special song to me when I was a small child, as we waited for Daddy to come home from work late in the evening. She had her own haunting melody and feel that took me to the cross every time I heard her sing it. There were no instruments and no choir, only Mama’s voice, in the quiet of the night, sounding heartbroken as she asked me, ‘Were YOU there?’ I am humbled and proud to share it with you.”
The release aligns with Good Friday and leads into Easter Weekend, marking the start of a period of reflection and observance of the death and resurrection of Christ.
“Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)” is the first song from Bates’ upcoming full-length Gospel album, scheduled for release in May. Additional details about the album will be announced at a later date.
The single is available on digital streaming platforms. Stream or download HERE.
About Jeff Bates
Signed to RCA Records in late 2002, Jeff Bates released his debut album, Rainbow Man, in May 2003. A second album, Leave The Light On, was released in 2005 on RCA. The album was followed by Jeff Bates in 2008 on the independent Black River Entertainment. Bates’ two RCA albums accounted for seven chart singles on the Billboard country charts, of which three reached the Top 40: “The Love Song,” “I Wanna Make You Cry” and “Long, Slow Kisses.” Bates has been active in his works of compassion, collecting for organizations such as Toys for Tots and others. In 2005, a concert in Hattiesburg, Mississippi raised $25,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief in his home area.
Tags: Jeff Bates, gospel music, new single, Were You There, Tall Grass Records, country music, album release, Easter Weekend
